Samuel Djodan

He’s regarded as country racing’s premier trainer and Kris Lees only continues to reinforce that reputation, booking another place in the Provincial Championships with Serene Miss. New Lambton Jockey Aaron Bullock had the ride.

Local football is back, and with a bang. Adamstown and Jets Youth shared the spoils… But all of the focus was on Arthur Edden Oval, where Lambton triumphed in an exhilarating contest, living up to the hype of a Grand Final replay.

There’s still one sleep until the Knights NRL side is back on the field. Today, it was all about reserve-grade. Although it wasn’t good news, Newcastle losing to Wests Magpies 34-22, despite racing out to an early 16-nil lead. An error-riddled second-half opened the door for the Magpies And Newcastle blew some late opportunities to level the score.

They’ve played out some close encounters in the past few seasons, and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart believes Sunday’s match-up against Newcastle will prove no different. He’s identified they key to success for his side – stopping Newcastle’s new marquee halfback.

The Waratah Basketball season has just started, but Newcastle and Maitland will get a finals-feel tomorrow night when they face-off in the first leg of the Kibble Mallon Cup. Newcastle holds the silverware, but if the opening round performances of their new recruits is anything to go by, it’ll be a close contest.

Knights fans can be forgiven for dwelling on Newcastle’s golden-point win over Manly, but the players have been told to move on – and fast. They know they need to improve, if they’re to beat Canberra this weekend.

In Her Time is yet to claim a Group 1 race – but if this morning’s barrier trial in Newcastle is any indication, a win could be just around the corner. Trainer Ben Smith believes the mare may just have come back from injury, better than ever.

Former NRL player Paul Carter has been given the green light to play for Cessnock in Newcastle Rugby League this season. New South Wales Rugby League, which now governs the local game, says the NRL Integrity Unit has signed off on Carter’s clearance, satisfied he’s rehabilitated from drug and alcohol-related issues. There were questions over whether the 25-year-old former Rooster, Rabbitoh and Titan would be allowed to play. Country Rugby League had taken a hardline stance, after issues during his time playing in Coffs Harbour last year.

It’s just one more sleep until the Knights start their campaign against Manly. The new-look Newcastle outfit had its last run today, excited – and maybe a little bit nervous – amid heightened expectation, something acknowledged by the Sea Eagles.

The Hunter’s Katie-Rae Ebzery has been named in the Australian basketball team for next month’s Commonwealth Games. Ebzery is a chance of playing for Newcastle in the Waratah League, but can’t commit to the entire season. It’s a different story for Hannah Young, who returns to the Hunters following six years overseas.